BOSSES DEFEND £6m FOR RADICAL DRUG REHAB UNIT
Critics question value of project and whether it will yield results
BOSSES of a radical rehab initiative modelled on a controversial Italian commune have claimed that every penny of its £6million funding will be well spent.
River Garden Auchincruive is closely modelled on the abstinence-based San Patrignano rehab community in Italy.
A Netflix mini-series explored its history and showed residents chained up like prisoners and beaten on the command of the man who set it up.
Despite San Patrignano’s colourful history, it continues to flourish in Rimini, which puts work at the centre of recovery and makes profit through its residents with ventures like winemaking, baking, weaving, leatherwork and other crafts.
In 40 years, it claims to have helped 26,000 people, with 1000 residents right now and a success rate of 72 per cent of those who complete the course getting free from drugs.
The Scottish Government was won over by its positive and radical aspects, in allocating £6million to Auchincruive, near Ayr, making it the single biggest benefactor of Nicola Sturgeon’s National Mission on drug deaths.
The bumper award has not impressed some campaigners, who believe the award is disproportionately high compared to other established care providers who applied for cash.
But the chairman of the project has made assurances that only the best elements of the San Patrignano model, adapted to Scotland, will be in play.
William Smith said he was aware that his venture had attracted a huge block of funding in comparison to rival bidders and said he was humbled and intent on delivering value for taxpayers’ money.
Smith insisted that Auchincruive is the opposite of a prison. He said: “We fully respect all the other excellent projects applying for funding and we are humbled by this award, but believe we can make a significant difference in many people’s lives. Smith said that work underpins the recovery process at Auchincruive, which gives residents life skills and promotes worth and belonging. The venture also seeks to allow time for families to repair damage done by addiction, with frequent visits welcomed if possible. He said: “We are humble and we are very much accepting that we will have to learn as we go along what works best in a Scottish context. “This money will make a huge difference, primarily in that it wil increase the beds to a maximum of 57.” The River Garden model relies on total abstinence from drugs and alcohol – ideals that were all but thrown out by previous health ministers in the current SNP government.
The award shocked some campaigners, who claim it is disproportionate and may not offer a decent chance of value for money.
Annemarie Ward, of the FAVOR charity, said: “I’m not in essence against what’s going on at Auchincruive but the main foundation of this new National Mission is meant to be following the evidence and there is, as it stands, no established proper evidence that it will work.
“I read in newspaper reports nearly three years ago that they had seven clients and would be adding one every six weeks, which means they should be up to 30 by now. But the total is still seven, which causes me a bit of concern.
“All I’m aware of with Auchincruive is a ‘proof of concept’ paper that was published, which effectively states that it might be worth a punt.
“Meanwhile, there are 200 existing rehab beds lying empty in facilities that are proven to work, so it seems there is a very clear disproportionality in the huge level of funding given to this project.”
Ward wholeheartedly welcomed the separate £5million funding for the LEAP project in Edinburgh, which offers extended rehab and detox facilities.
She said: “The evidence base for it is incredibly strong built up over many years by completely dedicated and committed people, the majority of whom have recovered.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson stressed the “urgent need for innovation” in the provision of residential treatment.
The First Minister announced a new National Mission to cut drug-related deaths and harms in January 2021.
This is supported by an investment of £50million per year for the next five years.
Of that, £32million is targeted at front-line services in 2021 to 2022.
We are humble and accepting that we will have to learn what works best in a Scottish context